Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions:

What are “Na Ali'i?"

Na Ali'i was a hereditary chiefly or noble rank in the ancient Hawaiian social caste system. In old times, the ali'i class consisted of all ruling and lesser chiefs of the various Hawaiian realms and held control over the islands until the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1893.

Who was King Kekaulike?

Kekaulike (d. 1736) was the 23rd King (Mo'i) of Maui and founder of Maui’s last ruling dynasty. Descended from the deeply revered Pi'ilani the Great, King Kekaulike and his children built an empire that enjoyed levels of power and prestige greater than any other royal family up until that point. By the time Kamehameha the Great set about unifying the Hawaiian Islands, members of the Kekaulike Dynasty were already ruling Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i, O'ahu, Kaua'i, and Ni'ihau.

Notable members of the dynasty include King Kahekili II, Queen Keopuolani, Queen Ka'ahumanu, Princess Kekuiapoiwa II (mother of Kamehameha the Great), King Kalanikupule, King Kaumuali'i, and Royal Governor Boki.

Learning an instrument is something you can take with you throughout the rest of your life. It's like riding a bicycle; once you learn, you never really forget.

Band is FUN. You like fun, don't you?

Who gets to participate in the band?

Any active KKHS student who can commit to the concerts and rehearsal schedule may participate in the music program. However, due to the difficulty of the music, prior musical experience is strongly recommended. Please see Mr. Nagata (or fill out the comment form located in the “Contact” tab of the menu bar) for more details if you or your child is interested in joining.

Who are the Band Boosters and what do they do?

The King Kekaulike Band Boosters is an organization made up of band parents and other supporters of the KKHS Band Program. Booster parents assist the band director in fundraising activities, moving heavy equipment, issuing uniforms, and other general matters. For more information, check out our “Band Boosters” page or click here to join.

Why do I have to pay band dues and/or fundraise?

Running a band program isn’t cheap! Your band dues and fundraising monies help pay off a myriad of important expenses such as concert venue fees, guest clinicians, off-island trips, band socials, band-owned uniform purchases/maintenance, new instruments, music accessories (valve oil, neckstraps, drumsticks, etc.), music scholarships, and general supplies (paint, toner, paper, tools, cleaning stuffs, etc.) First-year students will also be charged additional fees for student-owned uniform purchases.

With so many required subjects, will I be able to fit band on my schedule?

Yes. The State of Hawaii requires two years of Fine Arts (Music, Art, Drama), World Languages, or Career/Tech electives in order to graduate from public high school. In addition, most top-tier colleges and universities require two full years of FINE ARTS electives for admission. Keep in mind that Media, Graphic Design, Auto, and other Career/Tech courses DO NOT fulfill this prerequisite. So if you've already put in the effort to learn an instrument, why not stick with it for another year or two and kill two birds with one stone?

Now sometimes classes conflict with one another. Because of this, an after school "ensemble" course is offered to students who wish to participate in band but can't fit it into their regular schedule. In the fall, this course covers the "Na Ali'i Pride" Marching Band's performance season (M/W/F until late-October) and Wind Ensemble's Winter Concert season (M/F from late-October to December), whereas the spring semester course covers the Wind Ensemble's Spring and Aloha Concert seasons (M/F from January to May).

How will extra band classes affect my GPA and college résumé?

This is a common concern among high school students who are interested in joining band. In addition to numerous academic studies showing that music will not only help get you into college but succeed in post-collegiate life, music ensemble courses actually help distinguish an applicant as a well-rounded, perseverant pupil and will often open the door to a world of scholarship monies and tuition waivers unavailable to those without musical backgrounds.

For students with a cumulative grade point average of less than 4.0, one or more extra As will push you closer to that 4.0 mark. For example, say you earn 23 As, 4 Bs, and a C over the course of four years with a cumulative GPA of 3.78. Add in an extra A every year from after-school music classes and your GPA bumps up to 3.81 (good for Summa Cum Laude status and a huge selling point for your college résumé). This works even if you plan on taking AP courses!

On the other hand, if you plan on having a cumulative GPA above 4.0, you can easily switch you band class to a TA (teacher's assistant) course or participate in the after-school class for no credit to prevent the grade from dragging down your GPA.

Can I be in sports and band?

Yes! Sometimes we have to work out schedules, but it can be done. Many past and current students participate in band and after school sports. Just be sure to let Mr. Nagata know ASAP.

I'm in middle school and tired of band – Should I quit?

After all the time you've invested, you're only now getting to the point where you can truly enjoy it. The Kekaulike Band is one of the best in the state and is only getting better and more exciting with each passing year... But we need YOU to make it happen. Don’t drop out now when you’re on the threshold of greatness. At the very least, try band in the 9th grade!

After School Activities:

What band should I join?

Do you play piano, guitar, bass, or drum set? Are you interested in playing jazz music and working with pro musicians? Check out the Big Band!

Do you like pop, R&B, and rock tunes such as Party Rock Anthem, Don't Stop Believin', and Smoke on the Water? Do you like sports? Try the Marching and Pep Bands!

Are you serious about your instrument and interested in playing "serious" music? Do you want to work with professionals and experience traveling off-island (Oahu, Washington, New York, Japan...)? Join the Wind Ensemble!

What is a “Big Band?”

A Big Band is a twelve to twenty-five piece jazz ensemble that originated in the mid-1920s and continues on in popularity today. A standard big band contains five saxophones (two altos, two tenors, and a bari), four to five trombones (often including a bass trombone), four to five trumpets, and a four-member rhythm section comprised of a pianist, guitarist, bassist, and drummer.

What is the Battery/Drum Line?

The Drum Line, or Battery, consists of all marching members of the percussion section and includes all snare drums, quads, quints, and base drums.

What is the Pit?

The Pit consists of all non-marching percussion members. It is located at the front of the field and includes the timpani, xylophones, chimes, electronic instruments, gongs, and other heavy noisemakers.

What is the Color Guard?

The Color Guard provides "color" to the overall effect of a marching show through closely choreographed interpretative dance routines matching the drill design. The Color Guard utilizes flags, fake rifles, and other props to enhance the overall show and make it visually appealing.

What are Drum Majors?

Drum Majors are student conductors who assist the Band Director in running the marching and pep bands. These individuals conduct the marching and pep bands at all public events. Auditions are held in the spring semester and any member of the band program may try out.

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